Flydubai Captain Recounts Terror Attack, Vows to Return to Flying
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Captain Sami M. of Flydubai recounted a harrowing mid-air attack by his co-pilot, who wielded an axe in an attempt to hijack the plane with 180 passengers, mostly Israelis, bound for Tel Aviv. Despite severe injuries, the captain fought back, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the attacker and divert the flight to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Captain Sami M., who is undergoing treatment in Dubai, has vowed to return to flying.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Flydubai Captain Sami M. fought off an axe-wielding co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Israel.
- The co-pilot attacked the captain shortly after takeoff, attempting to hijack the plane.
- The aircraft, carrying 180 passengers including many Israelis, made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Captain Sami M. sustained severe injuries but is recovering and intends to return to flying.
- The Israeli passengers were safely returned to Israel after the incident.
Captain Sami M., who was severely injured during a Flydubai flight, has recounted the terrifying moments he fought off an attacker in the cockpit at 30,000 feet. Shortly after takeoff from Dubai en route to Ben Gurion Airport, the co-pilot, from Oman, attacked Captain Sami M. with the cockpit's emergency axe, striking him in the neck and hands in an attempt to incapacitate him and hijack the plane. The aircraft was carrying approximately 180 passengers, most of them Israelis.
Captain Sami M. described the heroic struggle he endured while bleeding profusely and losing consciousness intermittently as the plane rapidly descended. Despite his severe injuries, he managed to crawl to the cockpit door and open the armored door, allowing crew members and several passengers to enter and subdue the assailant. Simultaneously, two off-duty pilots on board entered the cockpit and helped stabilize the aircraft. After a distress code was broadcast, the plane was diverted for an emergency landing in the city of Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft landed safely, and the captain was rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment. His condition was described as serious but stable. Despite his severe injuries and the harrowing ordeal, Captain Sami M. is looking forward and is determined to move on. When asked if he would return to flying, he stated with resolve, "I will return to duty, hopefully soon." He is currently in Dubai for further treatment following emergency surgery.
The Israeli passengers were secured by Saudi security forces and later returned to Israel on a special rescue flight.
